NHL NEWS JANUARY 2, 2023 – HURRICANES SURGE TO ANOTHER WIN

The Hurricanes (25-6-6, 56 points) took three leads and scored a tying goal in the final five minutes of the third period to extend their winning streak to 11 games and their point streak to 17 (15-0-2) with a 5-4 S/O win over the New Jersey Devils, while padding their lead atop the Metropolitan Division. Carolina have now scored at least three goals in nine consecutive games – their longest such run since 2005-06 (10 GP; excluding shootout deciding goals).

• The Hurricanes’ 17-game point streak marks the 14th instance in the past 40 years of a team recording a run of that length and the first since the Avalanche last season (19 GP; 17-0-2).
• Carolina’s 11-game winning streak trails only New Jersey (13-0-0 from Oct. 25 – Nov. 21) for the longest by a team in 2022-23. It marks the seventh season in NHL history to feature multiple winning streaks of 11-plus games and first since 2016-17.

Of note, there were no divisions from 1917-18 to 1925-26 and 1938-39 to 1966-67 when the League was comprised of no more than seven teams in each campaign.

WE’RE FIVE GAMES INTO THE NEW YEAR

The first day of 2023 included a first NHL goal for a 27-year-old Senators forward Jacob Lucchini, milestone achievements by Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Mathew Barzal, along with a number of franchise-record streaks extended.

KARLSSON ESTABLISHES LONGEST POINT STREAK IN SHARKS HISTORY

Erik Karlsson recorded two assists, including a helper on the game-winning goal, to extend his point streak to 13 games and establish a Sharks franchise mark. He also became the sixth defenseman in NHL history to record an assist streak of 13 or more games, equaling Cale Makar (13 GP in 2021-22) for the longest run by a blueliner in the past 30 years.

• Karlsson (13-40—53 in 39 GP) moved into a share of fifth place in overall League scoring this season. He also became the eighth defenseman in NHL history to record 40 assists in a season in fewer than 40 games, joining Bobby Orr (6x; best: 32 GP in 1974-75), Paul Coffey (3x; best: 34 GP in 1987-88), Brian Leetch (37 GP in 1991-92), Borje Salming (37 GP in 1976-77), John van Boxmeer (38 GP in 1981-82), Randy Carlyle (38 GP in 1980-81) and Ray Bourque (39 GP in 1989-90).

LARSSON, FOX COLLECT POINTS

Two more defensemen turned in notable performances Sunday with Adam Larsson and Adam Fox finding the scoresheet to help the Kraken and Rangers each earn two points:

• Larsson scored the game-opening goal to extend his point streak to six games, matching Justin Schultz (6 GP from Nov. 17-29) for the longest run by a Kraken defenseman since the club’s inception in 2021-22. With the win, Seattle (19-12-4, 42 points) moved from outside the Western Conference playoff picture into the first Wild Card spot.
• Fox collected two assists to improve his career totals to 31-169—200 (241 GP) and help the Rangers (20-12-6, 46 points) move into a Wild Card position. Fox required the second-fewest games by a Rangers defenseman to reach 200 NHL points, behind Brian Leetch (211 GP).

MONDAY ALSO FEATURES VEGAS-COLORADO ON SPORTSNET AND TVA SPORTS

Four other teams are in action after the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic, with the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights (25-12-2, 52 points) visiting the defending-champion Avalanche (19-13-3, 41 points) at Ball Arena on Sportsnet and TVA Sports followed by the Ducks (10-23-4, 24 points) hosting the Flyers (13-17-7, 33 points) at Honda Center.

2023 DISCOVER NHL WINTER CLASSIC PITS BRUINS VERSUS PENGUINS AT FENWAY PARK

The League-leading Bruins (28-4-4, 60 points), who have yet to suffer a regulation loss at TD Garden this season, will look to match the NHL benchmark for wins in outdoor games when they host the Penguins (19-11-6, 44 points) in the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park on Monday.

• While the outcome of the game is top of mind, one burning question ahead of puck drop is: What will the pre-game wardrobes consist of this year?
• Boston will become the first team to contest a Winter Classic while occupying first place in the League standings and just the second top-ranked club to play in any NHL outdoor game, following Anaheim (38-10-5, 81 points) during the 2014 Stadium Series at Dodger Stadium. Of note, the Penguins (25-11-3, 53 points) entered the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field tied for the most points in the League standings, but the Detroit Red Wings (24-9-5, 53 points) held first place by virtue of games in hand.
• As the home team at Fenway Park, Boston will have a chance to improve upon its 18-0-3 record as hosts this season. That is tied for the longest season-opening home point streak in franchise history, equaling a 19-0-2 stretch as hosts to begin the 1973-74 season, when each home contest was played at Boston Garden. While this list details all season-opening home point streaks of 21-plus games, none of those happened to include a neutral site contest. It should also be noted that home/road streaks on Records.NHL.com exclude neutral site games.
• The Penguins can snap an opponent’s home point streak of 20 or more contests for the first time in franchise history. The longest home run Pittsburgh has halted was an 18-game stretch by Vancouver nearly 30 years ago (16-0-2 from Nov. 4, 1992 – Jan. 16, 1993), which came to an end when the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions earned a 5-2 win at Pacific Coliseum on Jan. 19, 1993.
• The lengthiest season-opening home point streak snapped by the Penguins is 10 contests – they defeated the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 19, 1972 to snap New York’s 9-0-1 start as hosts in 1972-73.

Hurricanes’ Kochetkov Named NHL ‘Rookie of the Month’ for December

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who went 7-0-1 with a 1.63 goals-against average, .939 save percentage and two shutouts in eight appearances, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for December 2023.

Kochetkov edged Arizona Coyotes left wing Matias Maccelli (2-7—9 in 12 GP), Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (2-7—9 in 14 GP), Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (5-3—8 in 15 GP), Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (6-4-1, 2.64 GAA, .921 SV%) and Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (6-2-0, 3.12 GAA, .908 SV%) for the honor.

Kochetkov became the first rookie goaltender in Hurricanes/Whalers history to earn seven or more regular-season wins in a calendar month, surpassing the previous franchise high of six set by Alex Nedeljkovic in March 2021 (6-1-1 in 8 GP).

Kochetkov yielded two or fewer goals in seven of his eight outings, highlighted by consecutive shutouts Dec. 10 at NYI (16 SV) and Dec. 13 at DET (27 SV). He finished December among the top netminders (rookie or veteran, minimum: 5 GP) in goals-against average (1st), shutouts (t-1st) and save percentage (3rd).

The 23-year-old Kochetkov, a second-round pick (36th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft, has compiled a 10-1-4 record through 15 total contests this season, aided by an active 10-game point streak dating to Nov. 25 (8-0-2). Only 12 other rookie goaltenders in NHL history have earned points in at least 14 of their first 15 decisions of a campaign, a feat last achieved by Jordan Binnington in 2018-19 (13‑1‑1 w/ STL).

Kochetkov, who ranks among the 2022-23 leaders (rookie or veteran) in shutouts (t-1st; 3), goals-against average (2nd; 1.94) and save percentage (2nd; .928), is the first Hurricanes player to win “Rookie of the Month” honors since Nedeljkovic in March 2021. He joins Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (October) and Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson (November) as a recipient this season.

Forsberg, Karlsson and Raanta Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg, San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 1. 2023.

FIRST STAR – FILIP FORSBERG, LW, NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Forsberg led the NHL in goals (5) and points (t-7) across three contests (5-2—7) to power the Predators (15-14-6, 36 points) to a 1-1-1 week. He scored once in a 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars Dec. 27. Forsberg then registered back-to-back three-point performances, collecting 1-2—3 in a 6-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Dec. 30 and potting his eighth career hat trick (including his 500th career point and the tying goal at 19:55 of the third period) in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights Dec. 31. It marked the second time in Forsberg’s career (601 GP) that he has posted three points in consecutive team games, following a three-game run from Feb. 21-25, 2017 (7-2—9). The 28-year-old Forsberg, who established career highs in goals (42), assists (42) and points (84) in 2021-22, currently tops Nashville in both goals (14) and points (32) through 35 total appearances this season (14-18—32).

SECOND STAR – ERIK KARLSSON, D, SAN JOSE SHARKS

Karlsson paced the NHL with seven assists in four outings (0-7—7) to extend his assist/point streak to 13 games dating to Dec. 3 (2-19—21) and guide the Sharks (12-20-7, 31 points) to a 1-2-1 week. He collected two helpers in each of his first two contests, a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks Dec. 27 and a 4-3 overtime defeat versus the Philadelphia Flyers Dec. 29. Karlsson then added one assist in a 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars Dec. 31 before closing the week with two more helpers in a 5-2 comeback win against the Chicago Blackhawks Jan. 1. The 32-year-old Karlsson, who now owns the longest point streak in San Jose history, became the sixth defenseman in League history with an assist streak of at least 13 contests. He shares first place in the NHL with 40 helpers in 39 total games this season while topping League blueliners in both goals (13) and points (53).

THIRD STAR – ANTTI RAANTA, G, CAROLINA HURRICANES

Raanta went 3-0-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average, .944 save percentage and two shutouts to backstop the Hurricanes (25-6-6, 56 points) to a perfect week as they extended their winning streak to 11 games and point streak to 17 contests (15-0-2) – both franchise records. He opened the week with consecutive shutouts, making 24 saves in a 3-0 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks Dec. 27 and turning aside 19 shots in a 4-0 triumph over the Florida Panthers Dec. 30. Raanta then recorded 24 saves – and denied all three shootout attempts – in a 5-4 victory against the New Jersey Devils Jan. 1 to match a career high with his sixth straight win dating to Dec. 17 (also March 19 – April 3, 2018 w/ ARI). The 33-year-old Raanta has appeared in 15 total games this season, going 10-2-2 with a 2.62 goals-against average, .897 save percentage and two shutouts.

Ovechkin, McDavid and Thompson Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ for December

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of December 2023.

FIRST STAR – ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Ovechkin tied for second in the NHL with 13 tallies in 15 games (13-9—22), highlighted by his 801st and 802nd career goals on Dec. 23 vs. WPG to overtake Gordie Howe for second place in League history, as the Capitals (21-13-5, 47 points) posted an 11-2-2 month to move into third in the Metropolitan Division standings. Ovechkin, who also ranked second in shots on goal (71), third in points (22) and tied for third in plus/minus (+12) during December, collected points in 11 of his 15 appearances. That included seven games with goals as well as seven multi-point outings, highlighted by a pair of hat tricks: Dec. 13 at CHI (3-1—4) and Dec. 31 vs. MTL (3-0—3). The first hat trick was capped by Ovechkin’s 800th career goal as well as his 20th of the season, the 18th consecutive campaign he has reached the plateau. The latter performance marked Ovechkin’s 30th career hat trick, making him the sixth player in NHL history to achieve the milestone. The 37-year-old Ovechkin, a nine-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner, now has 806 career goals (1,313 GP) – 88 back of Wayne Gretzky (894 G in 1,487 GP) for the most in League history. He also has compiled 26-19—45 in 39 total games this season, placing among the top performers in shots on goal (3rd; 169), goals (t-3rd) and points (8th).

SECOND STAR – CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid led the League in goals (14), assists (t-17), points (31), power-play assists (t-12) and power-play points (18) across 15 contests (14-17—31) to propel the Oilers (20-16-2, 42 points) to a 7-6-2 December. He became the first NHL player with 30 or more points in a calendar month since Tampa Bay Lightning teammates Steven Stamkos (12-21—33 in 16 GP) and Nikita Kucherov (14-17—31 in 16 GP) both achieved the feat in April 2022. McDavid also became the third player in Edmonton history to record a 30-point month, following Wayne Gretzky (30x) and Jari Kurri (2x), and the first to do so since Gretzky in March 1988 (5-33—38 in 14 GP). McDavid, who found the scoresheet in all but his final outing of December, posted eight multi-point performances during the month, including his eighth career five-point effort (Dec. 30 at SEA: 1-4—5) as well as a trio of four-point games: Dec. 3 vs. MTL (2-2—4), Dec. 7 vs. ARI (2-2—4) and Dec. 13 at NSH (1-3—4). The 25-year-old McDavid, who became the fastest NHL player in 27 years to reach the 70-point milestone, currently paces the League in goals (32), assists (t-40), points (72), power-play goals (14), power-play assists (23) and power-play points (37) through 38 total appearances this season.

THIRD STAR – TAGE THOMPSON, C, BUFFALO SABRES

Thompson ranked second in the NHL with 13-9—22 in 11 games to lift the Sabres (18-14-2, 38 points) within six points of a playoff spot via an 8-2-1 December. He registered points in nine of his 11 outings (and goals in eight of those contests), highlighted by 5-1—6 (including 4-1—5 in the first period) Dec. 7 at CBJ. In doing so, Thompson matched the NHL record for goals in one period, set franchise marks for goals and points in any period, and tied the Buffalo record for goals in a game. He posted five other multi-point performances, including three-point efforts Dec. 1 vs. COL (1-2—3), Dec. 13 vs. LAK (2‑1—3) and Dec. 17 at ARI (1-2—3); scored the winning goal three times (Dec. 7 at CBJ, Dec. 13 vs. LAK and Dec. 17 at ARI); and potted a League-high seven power-play goals. The 25-year-old Thompson has played in 34 total games this season, sitting among the League leaders in goals (2nd; 27), power-play goals (3rd; 12), points (5th; 51), power-play points (t-5th; 22) and shots on goal (8th; 151).